Your Meaningful Work – Day 2: Talents and Gifts

Day 2 of “Your Meaningful Work” will have you identify your talents and gifts. Many times, we choose our work based on either: (1) the things we’re good at, or (2) the things we like to do. But rarely do we combine the two when thinking about our work. This exercise will have you pick items that you are both good at AND enjoy doing. First, identify all that apply to you, then narrow down your list to a minimum of five (5) and a maximum of ten (10) items that fit you best. Again, make sure you choose only those things that you’re both good at doing and that you like to do! Note: If something is not listed below but describes what you’re good at and like to do, feel free to add it to your list!

it is weirdly satisfying to see that the work I am doing aligns pretty well with my talents, but it might be helpful moving into the future to stay conscious of this list and try to position myself to get more of the projects that will be most satisfying (and that I will perform in most effectively)

I agree wholeheartedly! We rarely think about how our talents and gifts can be used to not only enhance the work that we currently do, but may also provide direction for the things we’d like to do in the future! Thanks for taking the time to share!

These are great lists you have made – they require a bit of thought to really focus in on the core 10. I like it!
1. Caring for others/ Bringing out best in others/ Including/Inspiring/Encouraging others/ Showing Compassion/Taking care of people/Helping/serving others
2. Coming up with new ideas/ Future-thinking/ Starting new things
3. Reflecting/Research/Thinking/ Learning new things/ Gathering information/ Writing
4. Appreciating things/ Living in the moment
5. Making arts and crafts/ Working with my hands/ Repairing things
6. Public Speaking/ Presentations/Teaching/Training
7. Being optimistic
8. Being adventurous/ Playing games/Having fun
9. Being fair
10. Counseling

1.Listening well/making people feel they are heard and what they have to say matters
2.Bringing out the best in others
3.Playing violin/guitar/piano/singing/making music in general
4.Writing in a concise and understandable manner
5.Organizing and keeping clean
6.Reflecting
7.Showing compassion
8.Taking care of others
9.Identifying injustice or inequality and acting to correct it
10.Making connections between seemingly unconnected subjects

What is the difference between talents and gifts? Both are very similar in that they inherently make up who we are.